Class Afloat - West island college international

Bringing your classroom to the world

Class Afloat offers rigorous and internationally acclaimed academic programmes for Grade 11, 12, University and Gap year students while they sail the world’s oceans aboard a majestic tall ship. Class Afloat has a long legacy of commitment to academic excellence, community service, leadership and personal development since first setting sail over 30 years ago.

In 1984, under the banner of International Youth Year, the United Nations invited schools and agencies worldwide to interpret the themes of "participation, development, and peace". In response to that call and with a commitment to those themes, Class Afloat- West Island College International was formed. Since 1984, over 1700 Class Afloat students have sailed more than 700,000 nautical miles to over 250 ports of call worldwide.

Class Afloat alumni have gained admission to the world’s leading post-secondary institutions. Now between the ages of 17 and 47, they are engaged citizens whose sense of the possible has been enhanced and redefined by their Class Afloat experience. This exceptional programme provides young people with the opportunity to develop as individuals, excel as global citizens and forge lifelong friendships as they explore the world. It is unparalleled and the experience of a lifetime.

Experiential Education

Class Afloat is experiential education at its best. Whether at sea or exploring a port of call, learning is always hands-on. Learn Art History in Europe or study Marine Biology while sailing the Mediterranean. Whatever your course of study, your experience will be unforgettable.

Classroom learning is enriched through port programmes and shipboard activities carefully designed to engage students and bring the curriculum to life.

Students explore historic sites, attend cultural events, visit scientific institutions and explore unique and awe-inspiring landscapes. These programs are organized by our fulltime Field Studies Coordinator in consultation with the teaching team.

The Class Afloat shipboard environment accelerates personal development. Students are challenged to step outside their comfort zone to find the reward that comes from embracing new and unfamiliar experiences.

As crew, students take the helm, hoist sails and feel the thrill of sailing a 500-ton vessel carving the ocean at 10 knots. Responsibility, accountability, independence and good judgment become second nature.

All Class Afloat students participate in two voluntary service-learning projects: the West Africa Initiative in Dakar, Senegal and Community Service in Bahia de Samana, Dominican Republic. Students stay with local families and are immersed in local cultural activities, volunteer initiatives, and community events, gaining valuable insights about themselves and life in less developed communities.

Accredited Excellence

Class Afloat provides fully accredited high school and university courses. Our graduates have been admitted to leading colleges and universities around the world. Class Afloat is accredited by: